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HONEYBEE CORBICULAR SIZE AND HONEY PRODUCTION

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Journal of Apicultural Research

Vol. 23 (1) pp. 11-14

DOI

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Date

March 1984

Article Title

HONEYBEE CORBICULAR SIZE AND HONEY PRODUCTION

Author(s)

C P MILNE, Jr. AND K J PRIES

Abstract

Seasonal honey production, worker pup.al weight, length of worker adult life, and dimensions of worker corbiculae were determined for 19 colonies of honeybees (Apis mellifera) at one apiary. Honey production was correlated significantly with length (r = +0'551, P<0'0145) and area (r = +0'575, P<O'OI) of corbicula. Area of corbicula was correlated significantly with length of life (r = +0'687, P<0·0012). Selection of honeybees for large corbicular area might increase honey production by permitting more pollen to be brought to the colony and consequently increasing the brood area and/or the length of life of the workers raised. Corbicular area was an important component of colony honey production throughout the year, and especially in weeks of good average colony weight gain.

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